Breadcrumb

Your legal rights when you have diabetes

Sometimes it can be difficult to know your rights when you have diabetes. And if you have an issue connected to diabetes, it can be really worrying and confusing.

That’s where we come in. We've got all of the information you need to help you understand and know your rights. Find out about your rights at work, driving with diabetes or understanding your child's rights at school. You can read through our information pages, download our detailed advocacy packs or call our helpline for support.

Your rights at work

Whether you're taking your first step onto the job ladder or looking to change jobs, it's important to show recruiters that you're the best person for the job, regardless of your diabetes. We've got all of the information you need to understand your rights in the workplace, for example, writing to your employer about your rights at work.

Driving and diabetes

If you drive, having diabetes doesn’t automatically mean you can’t anymore. There are many myths about driving and diabetes but we've got everything you need to know from hypos to diabetes complications while driving and can help you get your driving licence back.

"I knew that withdrawing my licence was unjust, but taking on a large organisation, it feels like it’s just you against the big guys. Having Diabetes­ UK’s help, and knowing they were on my side, made all the difference."

Martin Fisher

Care in school

Worried about your child's care in school? We've got information and support to help make sure all children with Type 1 diabetes get the support and care they deserve at school so that they have the same opportunities as other children.

We also have a collection of useful resources that you can download to help support you in getting the best diabetes care in schools.

Free prescriptions - your rights

If you use insulin or medicine to manage your diabetes you're entitled to free prescriptions. But if you’re under 60 and living in England, you must have a medical exemption certificate before you can claim them.

Making a complaint about healthcare

Unfortunately, people with diabetes sometimes experience problems with the standard of healthcare they receive. We've got 15 healthcare essentials, which lay out care and support you're entitled to when you have diabetes.